People start puberty in their preteen or teen years.Early puberty is when a child begins showing signs of puberty before the age of 8 in girls and 9 in boys.When puberty is too early, it can affect your child's growth permanently and increase their risk of mental health issues.If you notice signs of puberty in your child before the age of 8 or 9, you should take them to a doctor for a checkup.
Step 1: You should know when puberty starts.
Girls start puberty between eight and thirteen years old, while boys start between nine and fourteen.Anything before this is considered early puberty and needs a doctor's attention.Girls who are African-American or Hispanic are more likely to experiencecious puberty.Other risk factors include being overweight, exposure to radiation therapy or external hormones.Coming into contact with an adult's hormones or a medical condition.
Step 2: Take a look at growth spurts.
It's not normal for younger children to be taller than their classmates.If your child shoots up in height over a short period of time, that could be a sign of early puberty.Early puberty can cause children to stop growing before their peers.Reduced adult height can result from this.
Step 3: Check for the early development of hair on the body.
The development of pubic hair is one of the first signs of puberty.They may begin to develop thicker hair on their legs, face, or other body parts after that.A young child with hair on their legs or face should be seen by their doctor.Some children have thin pubic hair early on.It's not a sign of puberty on its own, but you should discuss it with your doctor.
Step 4: Sniff out the smell of the body odor.
Strong body odor that resembles teen or adult is a sign of puberty.If your child shows signs of puberty at an early age, you should keep an eye out for other signs.Some children have body odor early on, but don't show puberty until they are older.If you're worried, talk to your doctor.
Step 5: Acknowledge the symptoms of the disease.
Increased oil production from the sebaceous glands increases the incidence of facial hair.It's not typical for children to get too much of it.If your child is showing other signs of puberty, it's time to suspect early puberty.
Step 6: Take note of early breast development.
Breast development is a good indication that puberty has started, but it doesn't typically start before age eight.You may notice that your child is growing out of their shirts, or that they have pain in their breasts or nipples.
Step 7: Look for periods before eight years old.
Menstruation starts at 12 on average and can start as early as nine.Early puberty is marked by spotting or periods at age eight or younger.If your child is having periods at a young age, make an appointment with their doctor.If they haven't started their period yet, you may see vaginal discharge in their underwear when you do the laundry.This should be seen as a sign of puberty.
Step 8: Early testicle or penile development is something to watch out for.
The testicles and penis don't grow much before puberty.A sudden increase in the size of these organs at a young age can indicate that your child may be developing sooner than they should be.Frequent and obvious erections, or even ejaculation or wet dreams, are a sign of puberty.
Step 9: A deepened voice is what you should listen to.
Young children do not experience dramatic changes in their voices.A rapidly-deepening voice can be a sign of puberty.A child going through puberty might have a voice that sounds similar to a teenager's.As their voice deepens, their Adam's apple may become more visible.
Step 10: Pay attention to the moods.
A child who's entered early puberty may have mood swings that are unpredictable and sometimes unwarranted.When combined with physical signs of puberty, changing emotions rapidly for little to no reason or reacting strongly to small things can indicate early puberty.Irritability and mood swings can also be signs of a mental health condition like depression.
Step 11: If you notice a sudden interest in sex, be alert.
School-age children may masturbate occasionally, as they show curiosity about bodies, puberty, and where babies come from.In boys, a seeming focus on sex can be a sign of puberty.Be aware of signs such as: Increased questions about sex, more frequent masturbation, Dressing in an age-inappropriate way, and looking at pornographic material.
Step 12: It's possible to spot low self-esteem.
Children who start puberty early may be embarrassed or ashamed of looking different from their peers.They might find it hard to share their feelings with others.All of this can affect self-esteem.Kids with low self-esteem might be having trouble taking criticism or being too sensitive.I'm stupid!I can't do this!Being easily influenced by negative behavior, being extremely controlling and demanding, and placing blame on others.
Step 13: There are social difficulties.
Children who go through early puberty can have difficulties with their peers, such as being bullied or struggling to fit in.They may begin to spend more time with people who are older than them, or are more prone to try out harmful substances.Consider if their circle of friends has changed recently or if they are spending a lot of time with people older than them.
Step 14: There are some signs of poor mental health.
Children who experience early puberty are more likely to have a mental health issue, such as depression, anxiety, increased aggression, or eating disorders.Seek help from a doctor if your child is showing signs of a mental health condition.There are signs of mental health issues such as withdrawing from family and peers, refusing to eat, and eating too much.A child suddenly becomes aggressive and uses substances like alcohol or drugs.
Step 15: It's best to be supportive.
Kids going through early puberty are likely to be self-conscious and embarrassed.They need help, not punishment.Validate their feelings and empathise with them.Try to see things from your child's point of view.What is your child's need right now?The responsibilities, independence, and activities of a preteen are not ready for your child.Encourage activities and responsibilities that are best for a child's age, not their appearance.
Step 16: Discuss your child's changes with them.
If your child hasn't learned about puberty yet, you'll want to make sure they know that it's normal.Talking about your child's development in a neutral way will help them know that what they're going through is normal, and that they can come to you about it.It's normal to need to use a spray.It's okay, you just need it a little earlier than your friends.Many people need bras.Everyone else's will is the same as your body is changing.You had a wet dream.Many people have those.It's okay.You're not losing your mind.It's normal to be emotional.You can talk to me whenever you need to.They can look through books on puberty.
Step 17: Help your child get used to puberty.
Puberty is difficult for kids who start earlier because they might feel like they stand out, in addition to all the physical and emotional changes they're already going through.It is possible for your child to go through this on their own.Being there for your child is important during this time.When they want to talk or have questions, listen to them.Purchase clothes that they feel good in.Encourage your child to keep playing.For instance, a child who wants to quit sports might be body-conscious, which can be worked around.Help them answer questions about their body."Why are you so tall?"I just grew faster.Tell your child about your experience with puberty.If your child says something negative about how they look, compliment them.Don't point out their changes.Praise what they can do and not focus on how they look.If your child is struggling, consider therapy.
Step 18: Tell the doctor about your child.
It's important for your child to get a checkup if they are going through puberty.If there is a determinable cause for their early development, the doctor can run tests to see if it's related to puberty.They can help explain puberty to your child, and can refer you to any necessary medical specialists.